Thanks and prayer requests from our church family in the Arabian Peninsula
The church across the Arabian Peninsula is alive, active and growing thanks to your continued prayers and support, as our Open Doors partners Mouneef, Ameen and Jalil attest! Please join us in praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters over the Christmas season.
Several Open Doors fieldworkers from the Arabian Peninsula share their thanks and ask for continued prayer over the Christmas season. May you be encouraged!
Mouneef*: “We are determined to bring joy to our community”
“As we approach this Christmas season, our hearts are filled with joy and concern. While we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, we face increasing challenges in our ministry here. Despite the threats and blackmail from some of our very own, we hold on to the hope of Christ’s peace and provision.
“Despite the threats and blackmail… we hold on to the hope of Christ’s peace”
Mouneef
“Until last year, we experienced wonderful Christmas gatherings where we brought together locals to celebrate the birth of Jesus and share the gospel with them. This year, however, due to ongoing threats, we have not yet started decorating, and the preparation of our celebrations has been delayed. However, we are determined to bring joy to our community. As always, we plan to visit local homes, delivering gifts and food to share in the joy of Christ’s birth. Please pray that we can still gather together on Christmas Day, as we have done in the past, to celebrate and strengthen our fellowship despite the difficulties.”
Ameen*: “Your partnership has been a true blessing”
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, and especially for your prayers during 2024. Your partnership has been a true blessing, and we are deeply thankful for the role you play in this journey.
“This year, we have been overjoyed to provide opportunities for our friends to gather around the Scriptures, learn its lessons, and apply the Word to their daily lives. These secret gatherings have been made possible through your generosity, which has enabled us to offer vital skills classes. Today, our classrooms are once again full, giving us a good reputation and providing essential standing as we interact with local authorities.
“These secret gatherings have been made possible through your generosity”
Ameen
“Amid bombings, hunger, and the severe lack of proper medical care and educational opportunities, people here grow weary. Yet, the light of hope continues to shine through efforts like these, made possible by your faithfulness. We pray that you will continue to stand with us in the coming year and intercede for us as we work together for His Kingdom to prevail in the Arabian Peninsula – even in the midst of its chaos and challenges. May the Lord bless and reward you abundantly for your steadfast love and care.”
Jalil*: “Several believers will be baptised before the New Year”
“Amid the trials, we are excited to report that several believers will be baptised before the New Year. We ask for your prayers as they prepare to declare their faith. We are also praying for the church storehouse to be filled with resources to support our ministries. As we continue to work for the expansion of the Kingdom of God, the financial challenges are real, and we ask God to provide abundantly for the work ahead.
“Thank you for praying with us!”
Jalil
“The church has also suffered physical persecution, with one of the leaders being beaten. Please pray for healing and strength for our leadership and the entire church so that we may continue to stand firm in faith.
“Thank you for standing with us. May the peace of Christ fill your hearts this season as we celebrate together the gift of His presence in our lives. Thank you for praying with us! From the Arabian Peninsula, we wish you a Merry Christmas.”
*Names changed for security reasons
- That believers will experience the peace and joy of the Christ child this Christmas
- For the church’s protection, that they may celebrate Christmas in safety
- That God will continue to raise up more workers to serve and strengthen the church across the Arabian Peninsula.
As we head towards a new year, how might your relationship with your persecuted family look in 2025? Perhaps you’d like to commit to daily or weekly prayer, telling others about the persecuted church or offering your financial support. Whatever you feel able to do, we’d love for you to go deeper with our journey with our persecuted family!